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Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
Michael Foote is the founder of Quote Goat and has over 20 years experience working in finance & insurance. Since launching Quote Goat he has appeared on TV as well as many of the largest online publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro. Prior to Quote Goat, he worked in finance in the city.
What is Freeway Taxi Insurance?
Freeway is a UK insurance broker that arranges taxi insurance policies through a panel of underwriters. They specialise in cover for hackney carriage and private hire drivers, matching clients with insurers who meet local authority licensing requirements.
As a broker rather than a direct insurer, Freeway searches multiple providers on your behalf. This can help drivers with convictions, claims history, or unusual circumstances find suitable cover when direct insurers may decline them.
Types of Cover Available
Freeway arranges three levels of taxi insurance:
- Third party only: Covers damage or injury you cause to others, but not your own vehicle
- Third party, fire and theft: Adds protection if your taxi is stolen or damaged by fire
- Comprehensive: Includes damage to your own vehicle, even if you are at fault
Most licensing authorities and ride-hailing platforms require comprehensive cover as a minimum. Check your local council’s specific requirements before purchasing any policy.
Who Can Get a Quote?
Freeway arranges cover for:
- Hackney carriage (black cab) drivers
- Private hire and minicab drivers
- Chauffeurs and executive hire drivers
- Uber drivers and other app-based operators
- Fleet operators with multiple vehicles
You need a valid private hire or hackney licence from your local authority. Policies are available for drivers with clean records and those with convictions or claims, though premiums vary considerably based on individual circumstances.
Standard Policy Features
Most policies arranged through Freeway include:
- Cover for fare-paying passengers
- Public liability insurance
- Employers’ liability (if you employ other drivers)
- Breakdown assistance options
- Legal expenses cover
- Hire car after accident (subject to terms)
Policy wording varies between underwriters. Some features may be optional extras rather than standard inclusions, so read the full terms before committing.
What Affects Your Premium?
Several factors influence taxi insurance premiums:
- Driving history: Convictions, claims and years of experience
- Vehicle type: Higher-value cars and larger vehicles cost more
- Operating area: Urban areas with higher crime or accident rates increase premiums
- Annual mileage: More miles driven increases risk
- Security measures: Alarms, immobilisers and trackers can reduce costs
- Excess amount: Higher voluntary excess lowers premiums
- Payment method: Annual payment is usually cheaper than monthly instalments
Drivers under 25 or over 75 typically face higher premiums. Having a telematics device fitted may help younger or newly qualified drivers access better rates.
How to Find Budget Taxi Insurance
If you’re looking for affordable taxi insurance, consider these approaches:
Compare multiple brokers: Different brokers access different underwriter panels. The same insurer may quote different premiums through different brokers, so comparing both price and policy wording can save hundreds of pounds annually.
Increase your voluntary excess: Accepting a higher excess (the amount you pay when claiming) can significantly reduce your premium. Make sure you can afford the excess if you need to claim.
Pay annually: Monthly instalments typically add 20-40% APR in interest charges. Paying the full premium upfront is almost always cheaper.
Improve vehicle security: Installing an approved alarm, immobiliser or tracker can reduce premiums, especially in high-risk areas.
Build your no-claims bonus: Each year without a claim typically reduces your premium. Protect your no-claims discount if offered, particularly if you have several years accumulated.
Shop around at renewal: Loyalty rarely pays in insurance. Always compare quotes from multiple providers before your policy renews.
For more options, you might consider checking whether specialist providers like Tradex or established brokers like A Plan offer better rates for your circumstances.
What to Check Before Buying
Before purchasing any taxi insurance policy through a broker, verify:
- Underwriter identity: Check the actual insurance company providing the cover
- Excess levels: Understand how much you will pay when claiming
- Geographical limits: Confirm the policy covers all areas where you operate
- Platform compatibility: Ensure cover is valid for any ride-hailing apps you use
- Repair options: Check whether you can use your preferred repairer
- Breakdown cover terms: Understand what assistance is included and any call-out limits
- Cancellation fees: Know the cost if you need to cancel mid-term
- Automatic renewal terms: Check whether the policy auto-renews and how to opt out
Request a specimen policy document before buying if the Key Facts document lacks sufficient detail.
Common Policy Exclusions
Standard exclusions to be aware of:
- Driving outside your licensed area without permission
- Using the vehicle for courier work or food delivery unless specified
- Damage caused while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Wear and tear or mechanical breakdown
- Loss of earnings (unless purchased as an add-on)
- Unattended vehicle theft if keys were left in the car
Read the exclusions section carefully. Some policies exclude cover for specific circumstances that may apply to your working pattern.
Making a Claim
If you need to claim:
- Contact the claims team immediately (usually 24/7 helpline)
- Do not admit liability at the scene
- Gather evidence: photos, witness details, police reference numbers
- Report the incident to your licensing authority within required timescales
- Keep all receipts for expenses you incur
Claims are typically handled by the underwriter, though Freeway may manage the initial notification. Check your policy documents for the correct claims phone number and save it in your phone.
Payment Options
Payment options usually include:
- Annual lump sum: Pay the full premium upfront, typically the cheapest method
- Monthly instalments: Spread the cost but expect to pay interest (often around 20-40% APR)
Monthly payments require a credit check. If you are declined credit, you will need to pay annually. Missing instalments can result in policy cancellation and difficulty obtaining cover elsewhere.
Alternative Providers Worth Considering
While Freeway is an established broker, always compare multiple quotes. Other options include:
- Specialist brokers with access to different underwriter panels
- Direct insurers that write taxi policies themselves
- Comparison sites that include taxi insurance
Obtain at least three quotes before deciding. Check reviews of both the broker and the underwriter to understand claims service quality. You might also explore whether providers like Cover My Cab offer competitive rates for your circumstances.
Get Competitive Taxi Insurance Quotes Today
Finding affordable taxi insurance requires comparing multiple providers and policy features. Whether you drive a hackney carriage, private hire vehicle, or work with ride-hailing platforms, our panel of specialist insurers can provide competitive rates.
Use the quote button on this page to compare prices from leading taxi insurance providers. Get your personalised quotes in minutes and choose the cover that suits your needs and budget.